Use it or lose it ‘10pm curfew could lead to wave of pub closures’
APUB manager in Bristol has issued a “use it or lose it plea”, claiming the new curfew for hospitality businesses adds further strain.
James Carden has run the Hope & Anchor in Jacob’s Wells Road since 2017.
He is concerned that the loss of late night trade at a time when pubs are already in a precarious financial position will result in widespread closures.
The Government announced last week that pubs, bars and restaurants in England must now shut at 10pm in an attempt to curb the spread of coronavirus.
“I think people need to realise just how much independent operators are struggling right now,” said the 44-year-old. “I don’t think there’s one publican in the UK who isn’t worried right now.
“The 10pm curfew is absolutely ridiculous and will make it incredibly difficult for us. It will make a huge difference to our income when we’re only just managing to survive as it is.
“Instead of kicking everyone out at 10pm, the Government should be properly policing pubs, bars and restaurants.
“We’re incredibly Covid conscious here and it feels unfair that we’re being penalised in the same way as pubs that aren’t taking the measures seriously, not to mention supermarkets.
“Unless people want a city filled with soulless chain pubs, they need to really show their support for Bristol’s independently owned venues.”
James said having to kick people out of a busy pub before 10pm was
“gut-wrenching”. Enforcing table service since the pub reopened has resulted in staff costs doubling as it requires more employees and time to make it work efficiently, he said.
He does not want to introduce an ordering app as he feels it turns pubs into “faceless places” where customers and workers don’t interact. Additional costs have coincided with a drastic dip in takings because of the limited capacity, to ensure social distancing is being adhered to.
James took out a £45,000 bounceback loan from the Government which he hoped would see him through until spring 2021, but he said he has already used £18,000 of it.
More than £2,000 of it went towards renovating the beer garden to ensure it is as Covid secure as possible.
James said the pub’s owners, Wellington Pub Company, has offered no reduction in rent despite the doors being closed for more than three months earlier this year.
Although he said the firm has recently been “more willing to discuss rent options,” he is still expected to pay his rent in full.
“Wellington has offered nothing specific apart from allowing us to pay this quarter’s rent over the next three quarters,” he added.
“Other major pub companies such as Star, Enterprise Inns, Punch Pubs and Marston’s have all offered some kind of rent concession for their tenants. It feels like there’s a real lack of support for us when we need it most.”
A spokesperson for Wellington Pub Company said: “The tenant was offered assistance in August to deal with the effect of the closure of UK pubs from March to July and dialogue is continuing.”